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City
sights
Almeria (pop
c.190,000 and growing) is a commercial and fishing port which goes back
over 2000 years. Here is a small selection of places to investigate.
Paseo de
Almeria
The stylish centre of modern Almeria, a citrus tree shaded, grand avenue
with shops and pavement cafes.
Alcazaba (c.
955 AD)
It is the second biggest Moorish construction in Spain (only outdone by the
later building of the Alhambra in Granada) and it still dominates
the old town. Fine views over the city and along the coast. Take your
passport to get free entry for EU citizens.
Renaissance
churches
The Catedral is a gun-turreted church built to be able to fend off pirates. Iglesia San
Juan, built on the site of a mosque, contains the mihrab from
its Moorish predecessor.
Museo
Arqueologico
A superb modern building housing an archeological journey through local
history from pre-historic to Moorish times.
Mercado
The 19th century market hall houses a noisy and colourful array of
foodstalls. It is surrounded by a complement of bars, including El Quinto Toro (see bar
recommendations).
Note: The Mercado is closed for major refurbishment until 2012.
Cable Ingles
The English are credited with responsibility for this huge steel structure
which dominates the port. It was built to off-load minerals (the traditional
source of Almeria's wealth) from trains into ships below.
Al Medina
The old town - an area of narrow streets, alleys and low houses retaining
the character of its Moorish roots.
Ayuntamiento
An elegant Spanish colonial style building and square, a venue for open air
events and a quiet place to sit.
Collegio des
Artes
A classic Spanish courtyard familiar from the films.
Los Refugios
Free guided tours of parts of the 4.6km of underground shelters built during
the Civil War. Entrance at Puerta de Purchena. See http://www.refugiosdealmeria.com
John Lennon's
Almeria
The inner suburbs have some grand old houses, very often neglected or
derelict. Among them is Casa Romero where in 1966 John Lennon wrote and
recorded demos for "Strawberry Fields". The house is now fully
restored (see 'News' page) and awaiting opening as a museum of cinema.
Lennon also stayed at Hostal
Delfin Verde on the Paseo Maritimo.
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